Who is Amanda Palmer? Amanda Palmer is a dynamic force in the world of music, theater, and performance art. Born on April 30, 1976, in New York City, she grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. Palmer's journey began with street performances and evolved into forming the iconic duo, The Dresden Dolls. Known for her theatrical flair and interactive shows, she has also made waves as a solo artist and a crowdfunding pioneer. Beyond music, Palmer has dabbled in film, media, and even co-authored books with her husband, Neil Gaiman. Her career is a testament to creativity, resilience, and breaking boundaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Amanda Palmer's early life and education in New York City and Massachusetts laid the foundation for her artistic journey, leading to her success as a musician and performer.
- Through her innovative use of crowdfunding, diverse career in music, film, and media, and commitment to artist rights, Amanda Palmer has left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Amanda Palmer's journey began in New York City and took her through various stages of artistic development.
- 01
Early Life and Education: Amanda Palmer was born in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. Her parents divorced when she was one year old, and she rarely saw her father as a child.
- 02
Lexington High School: Palmer attended Lexington High School, where she was involved in the drama department. This early exposure to performance arts laid the groundwork for her future career.
- 03
Wesleyan University: She later attended Wesleyan University, where she studied theater and was a member of the Eclectic Society. Palmer graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in 1998.
Early Career and The Dresden Dolls
Palmer's early career was marked by street performances and the formation of The Dresden Dolls.
- 04
Shadowbox Collective: In 1999, Palmer founded the Shadowbox Collective, a performance group devoted to street theatre and theatrical shows. One notable production was the play "Hotel Blanc," which she directed in 2002.
- 05
Street Performance: Palmer spent several years busking as a living statue called the Eight Foot Bride in various locations including Cambridge, Massachusetts; Edinburgh; Berlin; and Melbourne. These experiences influenced her music and performances.
- 06
The Dresden Dolls: At a Halloween party in 2000, Palmer met drummer Brian Viglione, and they formed the duo The Dresden Dolls. The band's performances were known for their interactivity and theatricality.
- 07
Dirty Business Brigade: To enhance the performance experience, Palmer began inviting Lexington High School students to perform drama pieces at The Dresden Dolls' live shows. This evolved into the Dirty Business Brigade, a troupe of seasoned and new artists.
- 08
Debut Album: In 2002, The Dresden Dolls recorded their debut album "The Dresden Dolls" with producer Martin Bisi. The album was released before they signed with Roadrunner Records.
- 09
The Dresden Dolls Companion: In 2006, Palmer published "The Dresden Dolls Companion," which included words, music, artwork, and a history of the band. The book also contained lyrics, sheet music, and notes on each song in the album.
- 10
The Onion Cellar: Palmer conceived the musical/production "The Onion Cellar," based on a short story from Günter Grass's "The Tin Drum." The Dresden Dolls performed this piece in conjunction with the American Repertory Theater from December 9, 2006, to January 13, 2007.
- 11
True Colors Tour: In June 2007, Palmer toured with the True Colors Tour 2007, which included her debut in New York City's Radio City Music Hall and her first review in The New York Times.
- 12
Breakup and Reunions: The Dresden Dolls broke up in 2008 but have had several minor reunions under the band name in 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In 2022, they reunited and started working on a new album.
Solo Career and Crowdfunding
Palmer's solo career and innovative use of crowdfunding have set her apart in the music industry.
- 13
Solo Career: Palmer has performed as a solo artist and has been a member of the duo Evelyn Evelyn and the lead singer and songwriter of Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra.
- 14
Crowdfunding Pioneer: Palmer was one of the first musical artists to popularize the use of crowdfunding websites. Her successful Kickstarter campaign for her album "Theatre Is Evil" in 2012 raised over $1.2 million.
- 15
Tours and Performances: Palmer has been on numerous tours including the Who Killed Amanda Palmer Tour (2008–2009), Amanda Palmer: Live in Australia (2010), Evelyn Evelyn Tour (2010), Dresden Dolls 10th Anniversary Tour (2010–2011), and many more.
Film and Media Work
Beyond music, Palmer has made significant contributions to film and media.
- 16
Filmography: Palmer has appeared in several films and documentaries such as "Artifact" (2012), "Temple of Art" (co-producer, 2014), and "Lennon or McCartney" (short documentary film, 2014).
- 17
Media and Film Executive: Amanda Palmer is also known for her work in media and film. She was the founding Executive Director of the Doha Film Institute (DFI) in Qatar and spearheaded cultural partnerships including the Doha Tribeca Film Festivals.
- 18
AlJazeera English: Prior to her role at DFI, Palmer was Head of Entertainment at AlJazeera English in London. She established the department and created, directed, produced, and presented flagship entertainment programming.
- 19
CNN and Associated Press Television: Palmer worked at CNN London's 'Business International' and 'The Music Room.' She also served as European bureau chief and foreign correspondent for the Seven Network and produced daily news and current affairs.
- 20
International Journalism: In 1996, Palmer was among ten global journalists selected to participate in CNN's prestigious 'International Professional Program' based at the Atlanta headquarters for two months.
- 21
Production Company: Palmer runs her own production company, Mandi, focusing on creating original documentary series.
Personal Life and Challenges
Palmer's personal life and the challenges she has faced have deeply influenced her art.
- 22
Personal Life: Palmer has been married to Neil Gaiman since 2011. She has spoken publicly about her experiences with miscarriage and the impact it had on her life and art.
- 23
Creative Process: Palmer finds her best ideas during downtime when she is not pressed by domestic tasks or administrative responsibilities. She believes in not having writer's block and encourages others to write something, even if it's bad.
- 24
Non-Material Gifts: Palmer values non-material gifts such as time, attention, and friendship. She mentions an old neighbor who guided her towards compassion and mindfulness.
- 25
Best Non-Material Gift Given: Palmer believes that the love and time she has given to her husband Neil Gaiman is her best non-material gift.
- 26
Biggest Challenge Faced: One of Palmer's biggest challenges was a miscarriage at almost three months pregnant. However, she found gratitude in the experience and felt unafraid of anything afterward.
- 27
Strangest Experience: Palmer recounts a strange experience from her teenage years where she fell asleep on a beach in the south of France, woke up to find her backpack and passport stolen, and was recognized by local garbagemen who found her bag in a dumpster.
- 28
Opportunity Regretted: Palmer regrets passing up an opportunity to live in a tent with an eccentric German primatologist in the deep jungles of Africa to hang out with gorillas. She had planned to do this before having children but never did.
- 29
Relaxation Techniques: Palmer relaxes by drinking wine, doing yoga, and going for walks without her phone.
- 30
Perfect Day: Palmer describes a perfect day as waking up, having sex, meditating, eating breakfast with her partner, talking about life, going to yoga, eating lunch with friends who make her laugh, spending the day making art with people she likes, having dinner with more friends who make her laugh, dancing to goth music until 3 a.m.
- 31
Getting Unstuck: Palmer doesn't have any tricks for getting unstuck but believes that if you wait, things change. She has learned to wait and see what happens.
- 32
Proudest Moment: One of Palmer's proudest moments was befriending Casey Long, a Dresden Dolls fan who was in the hospital with ovarian cancer. They have been housemates for almost 10 years.
Theatre and Live Performances
Palmer's work in theatre and live performances showcases her versatility and creativity.
- 33
Theatre Work: Palmer has collaborated with the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) on several projects, including "The Onion Cellar" and "Cabaret With The Needle That Sings In Her Heart," which was inspired by the music of Neutral Milk Hotel and the diary of Anne Frank.
- 34
Boston Pops Performance: Palmer performed with the Boston Pops for a historic New Year’s celebration in 2019, possibly being the first pianist to put Tchaikovsky, Nine Inch Nails, and Lady Gaga in the same program.
Financial Success and Family
Despite her unconventional career path, Palmer has achieved financial success and values her family life.
- 35
Net Worth: Amanda Palmer's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, accumulated from her successful music career, tours, and other ventures.
- 36
Family: Palmer has been married to Neil Gaiman since 2011. They have a child together, but she prefers not to disclose their child's name publicly for privacy reasons.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Palmer's career highlights and legacy extend beyond her music, impacting various aspects of the entertainment industry.
- 37
Career Highlights: Some of Palmer's career highlights include her work with The Dresden Dolls, her solo albums, and her role as a media and film executive. She has also been involved in various charity work and activism.
- 38
Publications: Palmer has published several books including "The Dresden Dolls Companion" and "Who Killed Amanda Palmer," which includes a photography book with short stories by Neil Gaiman.
- 39
Awards and Recognition: Although not extensively recognized with traditional awards, Palmer has a dedicated cult fanbase and has been praised by critics for her innovative performances and contributions to the music industry.
- 40
Legacy: Amanda Palmer's legacy extends beyond her music. She is known for her advocacy of artist rights, her use of crowdfunding, and her commitment to creating interactive and theatrical performances that engage audiences on multiple levels.
Amanda Palmer's Impact
Amanda Palmer's journey from street performer to influential artist showcases her versatility and dedication. Her work with The Dresden Dolls, solo projects, and innovative use of crowdfunding have left a lasting mark on the music industry. Palmer's collaborations with theater, her role in media, and her personal experiences add depth to her artistic narrative. Her openness about personal challenges, like her miscarriage, and her advocacy for artist rights resonate with many. Palmer's ability to blend music, performance, and activism makes her a unique figure in entertainment. Her legacy isn't just about her music but also her commitment to engaging and inspiring her audience. Whether through her theatrical performances or her heartfelt interactions with fans, Amanda Palmer continues to be a dynamic and influential force in the arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.